Musically Speaking

In this week’s episode, we look at how the familiar Doxology, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,” was not originally a stand-alone hymn. It was the shared ending of three different texts by Bishop Thomas Ken. Morning, Evening, and even Midnight devotion all resolve in the same four lines of praise, a pattern that still teaches us how to frame our days. The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minu...

In this week’s episode, we consider Chris Stapleton’s Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore and why it leaves such a lasting impression. Along the way, we’ll make a surprising connection to a classic country hit and explore what makes songs like this worth returning to again and again. The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features music commentary, examples, and...

In this episode, we look at the life and legacy of Cecil Frances Alexander (1818–1895), who wrote many hymns for children, including All Things Bright and Beautiful , Once in Royal David’s City , and There Is a Green Hill Far Away —but whose poetic clarity and theological depth often surpass what many churches sing for adults today. We explore how her lyrics arm young worshipers with truth, invite...

In this episode, I take a look at one of Mason Williams’ lesser-known but brilliantly crafted pieces: “The Last Great Waltz.” You probably know him from “Classical Gas,” but this tune tells a quirky story using shifting meters and clever musical turns. Here’s the link to listen to “The Last Great Waltz” in its entirety on YouTube: https://youtu.be/H0jMhedM_-I The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minut...

This week, I take a closer listen to Be Still, My Soul , a hymn of quiet trust and enduring hope. We’ll hear excerpts from David Erb’s choral arrangement and explore how this hymn has shaped generations through grief and faith. Here’s a link to listen to “Be Still, My Soul” on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_HYtMuSyCck The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that...

In this episode of the Friday Five , I revisit the classic hymn Now Thank We All Our God , but not in the way you might be used to hearing it. I explore a rhythmic version of this well-loved tune, bringing Johann Crüger’s original 1648 setting back to life with clarity and energy. You’ll hear a recording performed by my junior and senior musicianship students from Geneva Academy in West Monroe, Lo...

This week, I feature Dearest Magdalene (Big Burn) by my friend and talented guitarist Bill Stutzman. Inspired by the Great Fire of 1910, this ballad from the album Cardinals and Fireflies unfolds like a final letter from a husband and father facing death as he sends his family to safety. With poetic storytelling, ghostly harmonies from his wife Cherise, and a warm vocal delivery reminiscent of Jam...

Before “The Star-Spangled Banner,” there was CHESTER , a bold and faith-filled anthem that stirred the hearts of the American colonies during the Revolution. In this Independence Day episode, I take a closer look at William Billings’ iconic tune and share three reasons why it's worth rediscovering. From its patriotic theology to its uniquely American fuging style, Chester is a song worth hearing a...

This week, we highlight Roger Miller’s fun album, Roger and Out , and share why its blend of humor, heartfelt songwriting, and playful charm makes it a must-listen. Join us as we unpack what makes Miller one of country music’s most creative voices and why you should give Roger and Out a listen. Here’s a link to listen to the album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2wuO3nwb5IJXIKoDyHblyF?s...

In this week’s episode, we explore how a composer famous for grand tone poems turned to 16th-century lute melodies. Ottorino Respighi, best known for Fountains of Rome and Pines of Rome , also created three exquisite chamber suites in his Ancient Airs and Dances . We’ll hear snippets of Suite I’s sprightly “Gagliarda” and Suite III’s lilting “Siciliana,” then share three reasons why these intimate...

This week, I’m taking a closer listen to one of the most charmingly bittersweet duets ever recorded, “Can’t We Be Friends?” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. There’s something about this track that makes you smile even as it sings about heartbreak. In this episode, I share three reasons why this performance still speaks to us: it feels like a real conversation, it wraps humor around heartach...

This week on the Friday Five, we discuss the uniquely American musical form known as the fuging tune. Featuring Nehemiah Shumway’s SCHENECTADY set to Isaac Watts’ “From All That Dwell Below the Skies,” this episode walks through three key characteristics of fuging tunes and shares how they reflect both musical creativity and congregational participation. Here’s a recording: https://www.youtube.com...

This week, we take a brief look at William Byrd’s Sing Joyfully unto God —a six-part setting of Psalm 81 and a standout example of English Renaissance choral writing. As we typically do, I’ll offer several reasons why you should know and enjoy this remarkable work of sacred choral music. Here’s a link to a recording: https://youtu.be/wRm0mS6UrH8 The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast seri...

This week on the Friday Five, I’m sharing a choral piece that surprised me with its beauty and depth, even though the text is a list of names. I first heard it live in 2023 during a performance by The Tallis Scholars, and it’s stayed with me ever since. In this episode, I’ll give you three reasons why I think it’s worth your time, too. Here’s a link to the Tallis Scholars’ recording of Arvo Pärt’s...

What if the gospel story could be told not by listing its events, but through the songs that have accompanied them? In this week’s episode, I reflect on James Montgomery’s 19th-century hymn Songs of Praise the Angels Sang , which creatively traces redemptive history from creation to resurrection to eternity through the lens of music. Here’s a link to the Coventry Singers’ recording: https://youtu....

This week on the Friday Five , we journey down the Vltava River with Bedřich Smetana’s The Moldau , one of classical music’s most vivid tone poems. From bubbling springs and forest hunts to moonlit waters and rushing rapids, this piece tells a sweeping story without a single word. Host Jarrod Richey shares three reasons for listening and how a river can speak through sound. Here’s a recording link...

Fresh off last night’s concert, this special episode of the Friday Five reflects on the Delta Youth Chorale ’s Spring 2025 concert , held just last night. Featuring live excerpts from the choir, including György Orbán’s electrifying Daemon Irrepit Callidus , Jarrod Richey shares three takeaways from the evening that celebrated truth, goodness, and beauty through song. Here’s a recording link: http...

What do a 19th-century Czech composer and a blockbuster film score have in common? In this week’s Friday Five , we explore the fiery opening of the 4th movement ( Allegro con fuoco ) from Dvořák’s New World Symphony and trace a musical thread you might not expect. One moment, one motif, three minutes of orchestral drama that may sound...oddly familiar. Take a listen. The sea of sound just might su...

In this week’s episode, we turn to Bach’s St. John Passion —a gripping masterpiece. From its fiery opening chorus to its peaceful closing chorale, this Passion delivers urgency, intensity, and beauty in every movement. Discover four reasons you should make time for this masterpiece before Easter Sunday. Here’s a recording with subtitles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtRA1zUajf0 The Friday FIVE...

In this week’s episode, we turn to Bach’s St. John Passion —a gripping masterpiece. From its fiery opening chorus to its peaceful closing chorale, this Passion delivers urgency, intensity, and beauty in every movement. Discover four reasons you should make time for this masterpiece before Easter Sunday. Here’s a recording with subtitles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtRA1zUajf0 The Friday FIVE...

This episode explores why Johann Sebastian Bach’s St. Matthew Passion is more than just a masterpiece — it’s a sacred experience. From its roots in Good Friday liturgy to its unexpected impact in Japan, discover four reasons this timeless work deserves your attention before Easter Sunday. Here’s the link to the article on " J. S. Bach in Japan" - https://firstthings.com/j-s-bach-in-japan/ Here’s a...

This week’s episode briefly discusses the role of the choir when it comes to congregational singing in worship. The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features five minutes of music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episo...

This week’s episode is features a setting of Psalm 46 that is enjoyable and accessible to sing. Psalm 46 (NKJV) PDF Psalm 46 (NKJV) Accompaniment PDF Singing Psalm 46 (NKJV) Jarrod Richey · August 1, 2023 Read full story The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features five minutes of music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey. Th...

This week’s episode is focused on singing together around the table. The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features five minutes of music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jarrodrichey.substack.com

This week’s episode is a fun story about Artificial Intelligence and music. The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features five minutes of music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jarrodrichey.substack.com